AB Graphic MD Mike Burton embarks on solo Atlantic rowing journey

AB Graphic managing director Mike Burton has embarked on his latest rowing challenge, a three-month solo journey from Gran Canaria to Antingua, through which he hopes to raise more than 30,000 GBP (36,000 USD) for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Burton set off from Puerto Rico Marina, Gran Canaria, early morning on January 10, with the aim of reaching English Harbour, Antigua anything up to three months later having rowed 3,000 miles, subject to weather/ocean conditions. He intends to row two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours a day, seven days a week until arriving into English Harbour. This will vary depending on sea state and the prevailing wind and weather, and due to this he spent his first 30 hours rowing non-stop.

His home for the next three months is Storm Petrel, a 6m-long, 1.8m-wide boat named after a small ocean bird who lives on the ocean for months on end. The boat is constructed of glass fiber and Kevlar, self-righting in the event of a capsize, with a sea anchor to stop her being blown backwards in adverse conditions.

Three years ago, Burton, rowed in the Talisker Atlantic Ocean Race in a pairs challenge, as detailed here, and won it by seven days.

‘Having rowed a pairs boat with my good friend Tom Salt in the Talisker Atlantic Ocean Race in 2013/14, I decided, in a moment of madness, to attempt an unsupported solo row of the Atlantic,’ explained Burton.

‘At the time the challenge didn’t appear too daunting, but as the departure date draws closer, the realization of rowing solo and not part of the Atlantic Challenge race is slowly but surely sinking in.’

For those who are interested in following his journey and donating, visit http://www.sprata.org to see a live tracker of his journey and read his daily blogs here.

UPDATE: January 24

Below is a map updating Mike's progress, as of 08:00 UTC on January 24. So far, Mike's efforts have raised just over 9,000 GBP (11,200 USD), 30 percent of the target. Donations can be made here.

UPDATE: February 7

Below is a map updating Mike's progress, as of 08:00 UTC on February 7. So far, Mike's efforts have raised just over 11,000 GBP (13,600 USD), 37 percent of the target. Donations can be made here.

UPDATE: March 9

Below is a map updating Mike's progress, as of 08:00 UTC on March 9. So far, Mike's efforts have raised just over 22,500 GBP (27,000 USD), 75 percent of the target. Donations can be made here.